With opening remarks from Mario Rehayem, AFIA Chair & Pepper Money CEO

Tea & coffee

Katherine McConnell, Founder & CEO, Brighte

Edward Martin, Partner, Gadens; Steven Klimt, Partner, Clayton Utz and Ally MacLeod, Partner, Risk Advisory, Deloitte

This session covers key highlights across the Australian financial services risk, compliance and regulatory landscape during the year (and beyond) and how it impacts how our members operate.

Brendan Thomas, CEO, Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC)

Brendan commenced his 5-year appointment as AUSTRAC CEO on 29 January 2024. He leads Australia’s financial intelligence unit and AML/CTF regulator.

Networking

Facilitated roundtable discussion

Digesting what we heard from AUSTRAC and translating that into what it means operationally for members.

Peter Crone, Commissioner, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)

Peter has 30 years of experience advising on economics, public policy and regulation at the highest levels of government and business in Australia. He has previously served as Chief Economist with Ernst and Young, the Coles Group and the Business Council of Australia.

Networking

Alan Kirkland, Commissioner, Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)

Alan has more than 20 years experience in consumer protection, social services, law reform and justice in the public and not-for-profit sectors. Most recently, he was the CEO at CHOICE where he represented the interests of Australian consumers for more than 11 years.

Facilitated roundtable discussion

Digesting what we heard from ASIC and translating that into what it means operationally for members.

Stuart Low, CEO, Biza

While final rules have not yet been released, the CDR is expected to expand to non-bank lending in “early 2025” and be operational by mid-2026.

This session will explore the changes, providing critical insights to inform planning for CDR adoption, with a particular emphasis on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by the industry.

Richard Lee, Executive Director - Financial Crime, Implementation Services, KordaMentha

This session will unpack the new AML/CTF Rules framework and the proposed changes that are likely to impact new and existing reporting entities.

Kerensa Sneyd, Partner, Allens

This session will explore upcoming changes to the Responsible Lending Obligations framework, including changes for BNPL, small business exemption and the treatment of HELP debts in lending assessments, and unpack ASICs proposed updated guidance on Regulatory Guide 209 Credit licensing: Responsible lending conduct (RG 209).

Networking

Rowena Park, Executive General Manager, Regulatory Action, Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)

Rowena is a regulatory leader with over 20 years’ experience in litigation, dispute resolution, regulation, policy and enforcement both in the private and public sectors. She currently leads the OAIC’s Regulatory Action Division, protecting all Australians’ right to privacy and open government.

TBC

This session will unpack the OAIC update on upcoming privacy reforms and what it means for the industry and how members can prepare for the changes.

AFIA

Mario Rehayem, AFIA Chair & Pepper Money CEO

Ann Devine, Head of Corporate Services, Brighte (other panelists to be confirmed).

This session explores the emerging and recent developments in executive risk management and the levers necessary to drive change. Topics to be covered include the evolving risk oversight function of risk executives, the increasing focus on strategic risk and keeping up with the regulatory landscape.

Erin Turner, CEO, Consumer Policy Research Centre; Stephanie Tonkin, CEO, Consumer Action Law Centre; Peter Gartlan, Co-CEO, Financial Counselling Australia & Paul Holmes, Senior Lawyer, Civil Justice Service Legal Aid Queensland

This session will provide insights and analysis on the industry’s consumer-focused projects and share real-time information about the financial challenges consumers face in 2025 and beyond.

David Locke, CEO and Chief Ombudsman, Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)

David Locke commenced as Chief Ombudsman and CEO at AFCA on 25 June 2018. He was previously Assistant Commissioner Charity Services at the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.

Facilitated roundtable discussion

Digesting what we heard from AFCA and translating that into what it means operationally for members.

Networking

King & Wood Mallesons (tbc)

AI is becoming more pervasive, more powerful, and more accessible. With new opportunities come increased risks. This session will highlight the nuances of Gen AI in fraud prevention and scam execution, unpacking how it can be used both to strengthen defenses against fraud and exploited for highly sophisticated scams.

Rachael Falk, Partner - Risk Advisory, Ashurst

This session will explore the suite of new laws passed by the Australian government in 2024 to drive cyber resilience, regulator expectations and how to navigate an increasingly hostile cyber threat environment.

Networking

Chris Gower, Executive Director of Cross-Industry Risk, Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA)

Chris has held various senior roles across APRA’s different functions. He has a deep understanding of prudential regulation, end-to-end supervision, enforcement and resolution activities.

AFIA Member Panel

This session will focus on the risks and opportunities for wholesale funding, securitisation and private equity.

Bruce Billson, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO)

Bruce commenced his role as Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman in March 2021. The Ombudsman is an independent advocate for small and family businesses.

Facilitated breakout discussions

Exploring industry segment issues and the practical implications for members.

Networking

Cameron, CEO, OnDeck Australia

Let's act - Summary & actions items.